Best Cruise Line for Mature Young Adults?

Question

My boyfriend and I are planning a cruise during March 2008. I am graduating college this year, and he is already in the workforce and we are both 21. We're looking for a cruise line that will offer fun activities that don't revolve around getting trashed. We also love any excuse to be formal. Is it safe to say we will enjoy the Royal Caribbean cruise more than the Carnival cruise? We want to avoid the typical spring break crowd, but not be the only younger people on the boat. Any advice?

Answer 1

You say that you love any excuse to be formal, so I would suggest Celibrity Cruise Lines, they are owned by Royal Caribbean and have a reputation for being a little more formal.  Another option is Costa Cruise Lines, who throw an Italian flair into it.

In any case enjoy your cruise!

Answer 2

You can get past passengers' advice from CruiseCritic.com, "Boards" and/or "Reviews".

Please be sure and check on the age limit policies of the cruiseline you are interested in.  Some lines require that one person in the room be at least 25 years old.

Answer 3

I have been on RC, NCL, Princess and Celebrity and my recommendation is RC.  It has the best mix of passengers and many great activities on its ships, especially the newer ones.

Answer 4

Just returned from a 17 day cruise to Hawaii on Holland America. Had a great time.

Answer 5

I would avoid Carnival if you want to avoid slobbering drunks. I would also avoid Princess - my wife and I took a Pricess cruise this spring and, in our mid-thirties, were on the young end of the spectrum, especially if you discount kids.

I've never been on an RC cruise, but I suspect you will still be some of the younger people there. They key is to sign up for fun activites at the various stops. For instance, if you did a zip-wire or white water rafting trip, chances are there won't be too many grandparents on the trip.

But mostly, a cruise is about having fun with each other. If you make some friends, great, if not, who cares.

And all cruise lines, as far as I know, have formal nights, so you'll have chances to get dolled up.

Bon voyage

Answer 6

I love princess cruise line. They are very classy with beautiful ships. The food is outstanding, the staff are very helpful, and you get a nice cross of all ages on there lines.. Very few of the cruises I've been on were mostly older people.The only exception was our trip to Alaska because it was the end of May and families were waiting for school to get out. Do not go on carnival because every young adult out there will be on there cruise ships during spring break. It would be one big party boat with lousy food,lots of drunks, and very few people getting dressed up.

Answer 7

I have sailed once with Carnival and wasn't impressed,I have sailed several times with Royal Caribbean and love it,my husband and children prefer it as well(my children are 15 and 11 and they don't like the way some parents let their children run around unsupervised).Royal is alot classier and doesn't revolve around drinking(I have even seen them turn away someone who wants another drink when they have had enough)and on the Carnival one I truly thought I was at a college frat party,I am not a tea-totaler but find the site of someone vomiting in the pool a bit over the top.And everytime someone was acting inappropriatly they were almost always with a member of the crew pushing them on and not once did I see any of them refuse to serve an intoxicated person.Enjoy yourself,I will be sailing in May and I am sooooooooo looking forward to it. Also a word of advice,shore excursions are cheaper when you get off the ship versus booking on the ship.(the cruiseline gets a portion of the money if they are booked through them and the tour operator is generally willing to negotiating the price down for you so they can fill-up all the spaces).

Answer 8

I prefer Carnival.  They offer a varied level of activites.  They have two formal nights on a seven day cruise.  The crowd is as a good mix of younger people and retiriment age.  We have enjoyed the entertainment.  We don't drink, and have never been bored on one of their ships..